November 21, 2007 - 1:52pm
Where is Fred Leonhardt’s loyalty to protecting children?
By Wally EdgeLife has got to be a bit uncomfortable these days for Governor Ted Kulongoski, who finds himself under some pressure to talk about what he knew (and didn't know) about ex-Governor Neil Goldschmidt's sexual relationship with his fourteen-year-old babysitter. There are calls for Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto to step down.
Now Goldschmidt's former speechwriter, Fred Leonhardt, is back in the news with renewed claims that he twice told Kulongoski, who was Attorney General when the scandal broke in 1996, about allegations of child abuse charges committed by Goldschmidt while he was serving as the Mayor of Portland in the early 1970's.
Here's an interesting question worth of some consideration: If Fred Leonhardt was that concerned about Goldschmidt's behavior, where was his police report to the local authorities? Why not contact the Department of Human Services on his own, rather than take the gossip route?
Now the Oregon State Bar will force Kulongoski to go on the record to state what he knew (or didn't know) back in 1996. But if Leonhardt wants to brag about a continued relationship over the past decade he had (or didn't have) with the Governor to Steve Duin at the Oregonian, then maybe he should be able to answer the tough question himself.
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That's a fair question,
That's a fair question, Wally, one that I have addressed innumerable times over the last four years to more than a dozen reporters, editors and columnists. I also addressed it in my letter (easily found on the internet) to the agency investigating Giusto. The answer is, I was wrong. My excuses are many: I didn't realize that child sex offenders repeat their crimes, the statute of limitations had expired, Neil had reached a confidentiality agreement with the victim, etc. None of these is a valid excuse. I should have reported him in 1989. Instead, I waited until 2003, when I told my story to The Oregonian.
But then again, Wally, I did report Neil's crime to one high authority as early as 1994 -- the Attorney General of Oregon, Ted Kulongoski. To my great regret, I took my lead from him, and he did nothing.
One more point: I would never "brag" about a relationship with a man who knowlingly appointed a child rapist to the state board of higher education, and then looked the people of Oregon in the eye and lied about it. On the contrary, I am ashamed I ever counted the governor as my friend.
Mr. Leonhardt - Shoot me an
Mr. Leonhardt - Shoot me an email when you get a chance with a number I can reach you, I'd love to ask you a couple of questions. Thanks.
Goldschmidt Leonhardt
How come the Attorney General at the time Goldschmidt announced he was NOT running for re-election in early 1990, David Frohnmayer (now President of U-of-O) has escaped questions and challenges regarding, "what he knew and when he knew it?"
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